The BMW Alpina can be likened to a classic steel fist in a velvet glove and represents a more luxurious and decadent take on BMW's signature sportiness. It's a luxurious M for sophisticated tastes and - in the case of cars like the X7 SUV that don't come with an M derivative - the ultimate model in the range. With the BMW Alpina can offer a complete package. A quick look at the 2024 BMW Alpina The XB7 is more expensive than the Merc, but it seems cheaper than the $200k Bentley. The base X7 is already arguably the most accomplished three-row luxury SUV on the market and the Alpina flagship XB7 will look to cement its position at the top of its class.
The 2024 Alpina XB7 is an update of last year's facelift and updates applied to the entire X7 lineup and continues unchanged for the new model year. There are some changes to the regular X7's standard and optional features, but the nearly full-house XB7 specs remain the same except for upgraded LED headlights that now contain genuine Swarovski crystals to create multi-faceted refraction. The only thing that has changed is the cost of entry, with the starting price of the 2024 BMW Alpina XB7 now pegged at under $150k in the US – an increase of three percent.
The BMW Alpina XB7 is priced at $149,400, up from last year's $145,000. There's only one trim in the lineup in one configuration, with the 630 hp V8 and AWD, so the final price will depend on the packages and extras you add. Please note that Alpina XB7 pricing is MSRP and does not include BMW's $995 destination charge.
The 6,000-pound three-row UV isn't meant to be left unattended, so, surprisingly, the XB7 will comply if you do. It's not a sports car, as the lack of steering feel and feedback will remind you, but for a car of this size and stature, body control and handling precision are excellent. This is partly due to the Alpina Sport's adaptive air suspension, xDrive AWD, and M Sport differential.
Even on the big 23-inch circle, ride comfort remains luxurious on the Alpina's special Comfort setting, and this sporty SUV can do comfortable, quiet long-distance cruising with ease and can take corners at breakneck speed. It can be stiffened for such antics and the suspension will rise at low speeds and hunker down on the road to reduce drag. Its performance, of course, is simply outstanding, and its ability to accelerate to 60 mph in under four seconds is surpassed only by its smooth, unflappable workings.
The Alpina But the XB7 represents the state of the art Rationally, it's not worth the money, but what price can you put on exclusivity and the guarantee that you'll likely have the only one in your neighborhood? If you see it as the most luxurious three-row SUV with an out-of-the-box turn of speed at a $50k discount over the Bentley, this might be the right choice for you.
Standard safety features on Alpina XB7 models include:
airbag
Collision warning
Electronic stability control
Blind spot warning
Parking cameras (many)
Rear parking camera
Autonomous emergency braking
Adaptive cruise control
Front cross-traffic warning
Lane departure warning
Lane-keeping assistance
Speed limiter
Parking sensors
Automatic parking
Rain sensing wipers
Rear cross-traffic alert
Tire pressure monitoring
Additional safety features will vary by Alpina XB7 model.
